Employer Skill Survey 2015 reveals worrying skills shortage

23/09/2016

Wales’ post 16 education charity ColegauCymru / CollegesWaleshas today called for employers to utilise FE colleges in order to secure the skills their workforce needs. The Employer Skill Survey 2015, published last month, indicates that 54,000 employees across Wales may not always have the skills required to complete the job in hand.

The Survey includes key information on labour demand, investment in training and the development of the workforce. It reveals that 6% of establishments in Wales were experiencing skill-shortage vacancies at the time of the survey in 2015, and the percentage of all vacancies considered thus has increased from 20% to 24%.

Skills which are considered lacking in applicants and employees include people and personal skills and specialist knowledge. The survey also reveals that 63% of establishments provided training over the previous 12 months, which is lower than the UK average of 66%.

Chief Executive of ColegauCymru / CollegesWales, Iestyn Davies, said: “Employers can look to the FE sector for skills training for their staff and this will benefit the employer, the workforce and the Wales economy at large and benefit employees in a competitive jobs market. Employers can fall into the trap of thinking their staff are fully proficient in their roles but instead they should build partnerships with the colleges in their local communities. Engage with your local FE institution today!”